Lenape mythology is based on polytheism.
Kishelemukong is the creator god in Lenanpe mythology, not involved in the daily affairs of the Lenape. Instead, he directs the manitowak, the life-spirits of all living things, which were created by Kishelemukong. The manitowak were venerated in ceremonies, rituals, dreams, visions, games and ohtas (see below), as well as through the interventions of the Metinuwak, the shamans who were healers, spiritual and emotional guides, and religious leaders; they could communicate with the manitowak.
An ohta is a wooden doll carved annually and that were said to have remarkable powers of healing and luck.
A nianque is an animal guide, such as in a vision quest.
Further reading[]
- Harrington, Mark (1921). Religion and Ceremonies of the Lenape. Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, 1921. http://books.google.com/books?id=CTITAAAAYAAJ.
- Lenik, Edward (2002). Picture Rocks: American Indian Rock Art in the Northeast Woodlands. UPNE. ISBN 1584651970. http://books.google.com/books?id=-O49d2affsoC&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0.
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This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original article was at Lenape mythology. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. |